At its core, modernization enhances every aspect of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways – from the technology that powers them to their functionality and design. But beyond that, modernization is a pathway to greater sustainability.
Why care? The numbers tell a compelling story. Around 80 percent of buildings expected to be standing in 2050 already exist. And these buildings are currently responsible for 50 percent of the world’s energy consumption and almost 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
These aren’t just statistics – they're a call to action. A case for modernization. One we’re heeding.
Modernizing equipment goes far beyond simply replacing old parts with new ones – it’s an opportunity to introduce a range of features. Some of these enhance aesthetics and passenger experience (look no further than our digital media screens and sleek design options). Others more directly contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption, enabling energy regeneration, or supporting smarter, connected operations.
Our Schindler modernization solutions include:
Schindler ReStore: updating critical electrical elements and add-on options
Schindler ReNew: replacing the machine and updating major electric components
Schindler RePlace: a new elevator inserted into the existing hoistway
Schindler MetaCore: an innovative approach to repurposing buildings
Schindler Connectivity: creating digital connections to modernize systems and solutions
Take regenerative drives, for example, that return energy to the grid, or the new gearless machines that use 30 percent less energy than the older, geared machines. Then there’s our advanced controllers that enable escalator motors to adjust energy usage based on passenger traffic, and the stand-by mode that conserves energy when products aren’t in use. These features, each in their own way, contribute to making mobility systems more efficient. And, importantly, they can all be integrated into existing installations through retrofitting.
When we modernize existing installations – Schindler or otherwise – we can also fit them out with new digital capabilities that not only boost their performance but also reduce their environmental footprint.
Think about it – when an elevator, escalator, or moving walk is connected digitally, it means we can access and monitor all the equipment’s data, allowing us to detect any minor issues that need ironing out – and take action. Armed with real-time information, we can act remotely – or send technicians out fully equipped with the necessary information, parts and tools for the job. All this means fewer on-site visits, reduced carbon emissions, limited waste, and quicker problem resolution – what you might call a win-win.
Sometimes, though, buildings require more than a refresh: they need a brand-new purpose.
When this is the case, instead of demolishing and rebuilding, using unnecessary energy and emitting excess CO2, we should repurpose them, allowing them to evolve in response to the shifting needs of urban populations. An approach that makes all the more sense considering the housing shortages cities are currently facing and the increasing vacancy rates observed in certain CBDs.
Here again, we can help. With our Schindler MetaCore solution, buildings can adapt and change without requiring major reconstruction. This offers flexibility within building design, enabling one elevator group to be used for varied sections of a multi-use high-rise building – whether they’re offices, hotels, or residential spaces.
Modernization isn’t one-size-fits-all. With a diverse set of solutions – from energy-efficient upgrades to smart digital integrations – we can retrofit existing mobility systems and bring them into the modern world. Whether it’s repurposing structures, reducing energy consumption, improving efficiency, or cutting emissions, our modernization toolkit provides different pathways toward a shared goal: a more sustainable, future-ready built environment.